5 Tips to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

There are few things people do for their health that are harder than losing weight and keeping the weight off. In this week's Tweet Chat, we looked for advice from the experts as well as the general public on how to set yourself up for success.

Join me for a Tweet Chat every Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET by logging into Twitter and using #abcDrBchat. Follow the conversation or jump in with comments and questions of your own.

Keeping a food journal will help you become aware of what and when you are eating. You may be amazed at what you find.

"Never underestimate the power of food journaling," tweeted Marjorie Nolan Cohn, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy on Nutrition and Dietetics. "It's one of the most tried and true weight loss strategies."

Tip 4: Have a Healthy Stash

Keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked with healthy food. If you get the junk food out of the house, you will have fewer opportunities to eat those empty calories.

"A terrific route to a healthy diet is to fill up on healthy foods, squeezing out the junk," tweeted Dr. Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Tip 5: Add Movement to the Mix

While changing your diet is most important, exercise can help.

"For adults, key to keeping weight off is daily exercise," tweeted Dr. Elizabeth Neary, a pediatrician in Madison, Wis. "Look for opportunities. Take the stairs whenever you get the chance."